Watanabe Classification Research Articles

Application of anterior region suture of popliteal hiatus in treatment of discoid lateral meniscus injury with instability in popliteal tendon region

To discuss the application of anterior region suture of the popliteal hiatus (PH) under arthroscopy in the treatment of discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) injury with instability in the popliteal tendon region. The clinical data of 53 patients (56 knees) with DLM injury who met the selection criteria between March 2014 and November 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 15 males and 38 females, aged 8-55 years with an average age of 36.5 years. Fourteen cases had a history of trauma, while the remaining 39 cases had no clear history of trauma. The disease duration ranged from 1 day to 6 years, with an average duration of 15.6 months. According to the Watanabe classification, there were 40 knees of complete type and 16 knees of incomplete type. The preoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) knee joint score was 51.2±8.3, the Lysholm score was 59.6±11.2, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 4.7±1.3. After the arthroscopic meniscal plasty, the instability of the popliteal tendon region meniscus was checked by probing traction. Subsequently, the Out-inside technique or a combination of Out-inside and All-inside techniques was used to suture the anterior region of the PH. The stability of the meniscus after suturing was assessed, and if necessary, further suturing using the All-inside technique at the posterior region of the PH, the posterior horn of the meniscus, and using the Out-inside technique at the anterior horn of the meniscus was performed. Postoperative complications were recorded. The effectiveness was evaluated using pre- and post-operative IKDC scores, Lysholm scores, and VAS scores. After operation, knee joint pain, crepitus, and locking disappeared, with McMurray and grinding tests turning negative. All patients were followed up 12-93 months with an average of 57.5 months. There was no complication such as common peroneal nerve injury, deep vein thrombosis of the lower limbs, joint infection, or joint stiffness. At last follow-up, the IKDC knee joint score was 76.7±5.5, the Lysholm score was 94.0±4.1, and the VAS score was 1.1±0.8. The differences compared with preoperative scores were significant ( t=-22.090, P<0.001; t=-23.704, P<0.001; t=19.767, P<0.001). Suturing of the anterior region of the PH is crucial in the treatment of DLM injury with instability in the popliteal tendon region.

Prevalence and a correlation analysis of discoid meniscus and femoral trochlear dysplasia

BackgroundDiscoid meniscus (DM) and femoral trochlear dysplasia (FTD) are common knee disorders. Both as congenital malformation, whether there is a connection between them is unclear and the research on their prevalence in the general population is inadequate. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of FTD and DM in the general population through a large sample size, and to explore the relationship between them.Study designRetrospective study.MethodsPatients undergoing knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations at our outpatient clinic were screened and 1003 patients were enrolled in DM group with 989 patients in non-DM (NDM) group. The type of DM and FTD was classified with Watanabe classification and Dejour’s classification, respectively. The prevalence of FTD and DM in the general population and the relationship between them were evaluated.ResultsThe prevalence of DM and FTD was 10.0% and 14.5%, respectively. The overall percentage of FTD was higher in DM group (P < 0.001). The DM group has a higher percentage of all types of FTD except type D (P < 0.05), and a higher percentage of both low- and high-grade FTD (P < 0.001). There were 633 cases of type I DM and 370 cases of type II DM. The overall percentage of FTD was not significantly different between the two types (P = 0.106). No significant difference was detected for all types of FTD except type B (P < 0.05). The Type I DM group has a significant higher percentage of high-grade FTD than Type II group (P < 0.05).ConclusionPatients with a DM are more likely to have FTD regardless of the type of DM, while those with a type I DM are more prone to have a high grade FTD.

Usefulness of Intraoperative Arthrography for Postaxial Polysyndactyly of the Foot.

Surgery for polydactyly of the foot aims to achieve good cosmesis and improve shoe fitting. An accurate understanding of toe morphology will help to minimize the skin incision or optimize the surgical plan before incision. However, it is difficult to determine the shape of the articular surface using radiographs of children with immature bone. We performed arthrography during surgery for postaxial polydactyly of the foot to assess the cartilaginous structures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of arthrography in postaxial polydactyly of the foot. We included 36 digits of 31 patients (16 males and 15 females), including 5 bilateral cases. The age at surgery ranged from 9 to 75 months (mean, 20mo). Intraoperative arthrography was performed and all radiographs and arthrograms were reviewed and classified by 3 observers using the Watanabe classification. The absolute percentage agreement between the observers was calculated. The senior author assigned the arthrograms as the reference. The types determined by the other 2 observers using radiographs and arthrograms were compared with the reference. Full agreement occurred in 66.7% of the radiographs and in 75% of arthrograms. The mean kappa coefficient was 0.58, indicating fair agreement, between the reference and the radiologic assessment, while it was 0.81, indicating excellent or almost perfect agreement, in the evaluation using arthrograms. Intraoperative arthrography is an easy and reliable diagnostic method that can be used to determine the detailed articular shape. Level III.

Symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus shows a relationship between types and tear patterns, and between causes of clinical symptom onset and the age distribution

Discoid meniscus is a congenital abnormality of the lateral meniscus and is seen more frequently in East Asia. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess the relationship between discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) types and tear patterns and causes of age-specific clinical symptom onset. Of 1650 arthroscopic surgeries over a 20-year period, 138 (105 patients) were performed for DLM and were evaluated in this study. The mean age at surgery was 21.5 ± 15.8years. The DLM type was classified by Watanabe's classification, and tear patterns were classified by the modified Bin's classification as simple horizontal, complicated horizontal, longitudinal, radial, complex, and no tear. Additionally, patients were divided by age group (< 10, 10-19, 20-39, 40-59, and ≥ 60years) and classified according to the causes of clinical symptom onset as follows: sports activities, minor trauma in daily living, and no traumatic episode. The DLM was complete in 78 (56.5%) knees and incomplete in 60 (43.5%); no Wrisberg type DLM was observed. Simple horizontal and complicated horizontal tears were significantly more frequent in complete DLM, whereas radial tears and no tears were significantly more frequent in incomplete DLM (p < 0.0001). When classified by age group, 74 (53.6%) knees with DLMs were found in teenagers. Sports activities caused symptom onset significantly more often in teenagers, no traumatic episode caused symptom onset in patients aged < 10years, and minor trauma in daily living caused symptom onset in patients aged 40-59years and ≥ 60years (p < 0.0001). No relationship was found between the age distribution and tear patterns; however, the absence of tears tended to be more common in teenaged patients, and complicated horizontal tears were more common in patients over 20years of age. Symptomatic DLM occurred most often in teenagers. A relationship was identified between the DLM types and tear patterns, which could be helpful in preoperative planning. Causes of clinical symptom onset in patients with DLM were characterised by age group, which might help clinicians to suspect the presence of DLM. Level IV.

Clinical efficacy of arthroscopy in the treatment of discoid meniscus injury and related risk factors for postoperative pain.

Discoid meniscus is an abnormal meniscus of the knee joint. This study aimed to analyze the clinical efficacy of arthroscopy in the treatment of discoid meniscus injury, and determine the related risk factors for postoperative pain. A total of 80 patients with a discoid meniscus injury who were diagnosed and treated in our hospital from May 2017 to May 2018 were selected. According to the different surgical methods, they were divided into the study group (treated with meniscus plasty) or the control group (treated with subtotal meniscectomy). Knee joint motion and knee joint function were measured at 2, 6 and 12 weeks post-surgery. Knee joint function was measured using the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale to determine clinical efficacy. Patients with an excellent and good rating were included in the painless group, and patients with an average and poor rating were included in the pain group. The risk factors for postoperative pain were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Knee joint motion in the study group and the control group gradually increased and reached a peak 12 weeks after surgery (P<0.05), however, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups at each time point after surgery (P>0.05). The excellent and good rate, according to the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, was 84.62% in the study group and 84.38% in the control group. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups (P>0.05). There were differences between the pain group and the painless group in Watanabe classification, age, preoperative symptom time, cold compress, joint soft tissue injury, and postoperative weight-bearing time ≤1 week (P<0.05). Arthroscopy demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of patients with a discoid meniscus injury. Age, duration of preoperative symptoms, articular cartilage injury, postoperative cold compress and postoperative weight-bearing time were independent risk factors that affected postoperative pain after arthroscopic surgery. For high-risk patients, effective prevention and control measures should be taken to improve postoperative pain and promote the recovery of knee joint function.

PEDICLE MORPHOLOGY IN SCOLIOSIS: CLASSIFICATION AGREEMENT FOR PRE-OPERATIVE EVALUATION

ABSTRACT Objectives Although Watanabe morphological classification is well known, there is no consensus of its use among spine surgeons. We propose an analysis of the Watanabe classification by three observers, one senior and two recently graduated orthopedic spine surgeons, and its applicability in pre-operative evaluation. Methods An intraobserver and interobserver analysis of the classifications of 937 thoracic pedicles among 55 scoliosis patients treated surgically in two institutions. The average age at time of surgery was 16.3 years (10- 50 years). The etiologies of the scoliosis were: idiopathic (n= 47), congenital (n=4), syndromic (n= 3) and neuromuscular (n=1). The mean Cobb angle was 67 degrees (41- 120º). The evaluation of the thoracic pedicle was performed using pre-operative CT images. Results A total of 937 pedicles were classified by three observers with percentages of 47.5% type A, 28.6% type B, 17.1% type C and 6.9% type D for the total pedicles, convex and concave. Intraobserver agreement was fair to almost perfect (kappa 0.34 to 0.92) and interobserver agreement was fair to moderate (kappa 0.33 to 0.59) with statistical significance of p&lt;0.001. Conclusion Watanabe classification remains a good method for predicting intraoperative difficulties, and has better agreement as the surgeon becomes more experienced. Level of evidence II; Prognostic Studies.

Polydactyly Of The Foot Repair With Circumferential Racquet-Shaped Incision Technique And Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: Case Report And Literature Reviews

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Introduction: Polydactyly of the foot is the most common anomaly in congenital diseases. This abnormality is characterized by the presence of additional digits outside the normal complement of the foot. Polydactyly has reported about 1 in 1,000 births. The Watanabe classification is used in assessing polydactyly in the feet as a fifth ray duplication. Various operating techniques can sometimes be an option. Each method has advantages and disadvantages that can be considered in the selection of surgical in the correction polydactyly.&#x0D; Patient and Method: we report a case of polydactyly of the foot reconstruction using circumferential racquet-shaped incision, osteotomy and collateral ligament reconstruction that was carried out at Bahteramas Hospital, Kendari. A circumferential racquet-shaped incision design was performed over the sixth MTP joint. Complete excision of the lateral sixth toe was performed, followed by osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal lateral head with a micro-sagittal oscillating saw. The collateral ligament was reconstructed using ligamentoperiosteal flap and fixed using syringe needle to replace K-Wire.&#x0D; Result : After postoperative control for 3 months the patient was declared good wound healingConclusion: Optimal surgical planning, good patient orientation and surgical techniques that are carefully considered are essential for optimal results. Herein, we report a case of polydactyly and racquet shaped incision technique performed to reconstruct the polydactyly.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Discoid lateral meniscus of the knee-joint (questions of classification and diagnostics)

In this article is analysed MRI of knee-joints of 409 patients and results of 15 knee joint arthroscopic revisions of patients with a discoid lateral meniscus. Considered a few classifications of discoid lateral meniscus types. Based on the possibilities of MRI and arthroscopy in detecting of discoid lateral meniscus abnormalities, taking into account the correlation these researches’ results there was highlighted Watanabe classification as the main for discoid lateral meniscus description as at MRI so at during arthroscopy. The third type of discoid lateral meniscus in Watanabe classification is selected as most clinically significant, while it is most hardness differentiated on MRI, that requires further scientific research.

Is the present classification of discoid meniscus sufficient?

Introduction:Although uncommon, the discoid meniscus is quite prone to injury due to its abnormal shape and abnormal histology. The weak or absent peripheral attachment of the discoid meniscus causes instability even after partial meniscectomy. Therefore, recently, after resection of the central part of the meniscus, in which tears develop most frequently, the remnant of the meniscus is preferred to repair. In that time, the Watanabe classification, which classifies the discoid meniscuses in three groups, is used to plan treatment. However, discoid meniscus can develop in the different forms from these three main shapes. In the present study we aimed to analyse the discoid meniscuses, which we encountered during arthroscopic procedures in the knee, according to Watanabe classification.Patients and methods:The lateral discoid meniscuses in the 36 knees of 35 patients, who were operated on because of meniscus tear of either the discoid lateral meniscus itself or the normal medial meniscus, were classified according to Watanabe classification.Results:While the lateral discoid meniscuses were classified as “complete” in 13, “incomplete” in 15 knees, the meniscuses were very thin or absent in the central (one knee) or in the postero-lateral regions (seven knees) of discoid meniscus (Figure 1). In this series this opening was next to the popliteus tendon except in one case. In these cases, the continuity of the meniscus between middle and posterior horn frequently was not possible after central partial meniscectomy (CPM). On the other hand, posterior horn has stable peripheral attachment unlike the Wrisberg type discoid meniscus. Of the 36 discoid meniscuses, CPM was performed in 21 knees, CPM with anterior horn repair in three, CPM with posterior horn repair in one and anterior horn repair without meniscectomy in two patients. In nine patients the lateral discoid meniscus was left alone.Figure 1Top view of tibial plateau. The postero-lateral opening in the lateral discoid meniscus which is next to the popliteus tendonDiscussion and conclusion:When meniscus sparing methods are intended to perform, both to decide the amount of resection and repair of the remnant, besides the shape of meniscus tear, the stability of discoid meniscus is crucial. This study shows that the Watanabe classification cannot be sufficient to include some specific type of lateral discoid meniscus. We believe that to add the discoid meniscuses, with opening in postero-lateral region next to the popliteus tendon, to the Watanabe classification might be useful to decide the amount of resection or repair of the discoid lateral meniscus.

Arthroscopic treatment of symptomatic discoid meniscus in children.

To study discoid meniscus in children who underwent arthroscopic surgery at our center. Thirty-four patients (39 knees) younger than 15years with discoid lateral meniscus (mean age, 12.9years; 13 males, 21 females) who underwent arthroscopic surgeries since 2007 were studied. The surgical procedure consisted of, in principle, saucerization with additional suture repair in the case of meniscal instability at the peripheral rim of the residual meniscus. The mechanisms of symptom onset, symptoms, complications and postoperative outcome in these cases were examined. In addition, Lysholm scores were obtained before surgery and at the last postoperative follow-up in all patients. Symptom onset was associated with sports in 18 knees, fall in 3 knees, and no definitive trigger in the remaining knees. The presenting symptoms were pain in 32 knees, catching in 11 knees, and locking in 6 knees. According to Watanabe classification, 26 knees were complete type and 13 knees were incomplete type. The modes of tear included horizontal tear in 10 knees and longitudinal tear in 10 knees, while no definitive tear was present on the knee joint surface. The surgical procedures included saucerization only in 22 knees, partial meniscectomy in 10 knees, and saucerization with suture repair in 5 knees. The mean Lysholm score was 63.9 before surgery, and improved significantly to 92.3 at the last follow-up. Only two knees developed osteochondritis dissecans after surgery. Two knees required reoperation; one knee underwent subtotal meniscectomy and one knee had partial meniscectomy with suturing. Although the short-term outcome after saucerization with or without suture repair for discoid meniscus is favorable, degenerative change or change of lower limb alignment may occur in the long term. Further long-term study is required.

Prognostic factors affecting the outcome of arthroscopic saucerization in discoid lateral meniscus: a retrospective analysis of 48 cases.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results and prognostic factors affecting the outcome of arthroscopic saucerization for discoid lateral meniscus (DLM). Forty-eight patients who underwent arthroscopic saucerization for DLM between January 2009 and January 2012 in two hospitals were included. There were 21 (43.8%) male and 27 (56.3%) female patients with a mean age of 36.02 ± 14.5 (range 9-65) years at the time of operation. According to Watanabe classification, 33 (68.7%) patients had type II (incomplete) discoid meniscus and 15 (31.3%) had type I (complete) discoid meniscus. Of the 48 patients, 26 (54.2%) had an associated lateral meniscal tear. Seventeen patients (35.4%) had accompanying ligamentous, chondral and/or medial meniscal lesions. The symptoms were present for a mean of 8.04 ± 4.48 (range 1-24) months before the operation. All patients were followed up with a mean of 27.7 ± 10.7 (range 12-47) months using Lysholm knee score. We analyzed the relationship between the outcome variable (Lysholm knee score at the final follow-up) and the predictor variables (age, gender, type of DLM, presence of meniscal tear, duration of symptoms, follow-up and accompanying intra-articular lesions). The mean preoperative Lysholm knee score was 46.6 ± 10.2 points and increased to 85.08 ± 13.45 points at the final follow-up (p = 0.0001). Twenty (41.7%) excellent, seven (14.6%) good, nineteen (39.6%) fair and two (4.2%) poor results have obtained. No complications were observed in any patient. Regression analysis showed that age was the only predictor of the Lysholm score at the final follow-up (R2 = 0.545, p = 0.0001). The linear regression equation was (Lysholm score at final follow-up) = 106.1 - [0.58 × (age of patient)]. This study demonstrated that arthroscopic saucerization is an effective and safe treatment modality for DLM. Furthermore, age of the patient was shown to be the most important prognostic factor over the final clinical outcome. An excellent or a good result can be expected when the patient is young at the time of operation. IV.

Preaxial Polydactyly of Foot, Report of a Rare Case

Introduction: Polydactyly is the most common congenital anomaly of the forefoot. It can be isolated or associated with established genetic syndromes. Case Presentation: We presented a rare preaxial (medial) polydactyly of the foot. Because our patient reached maturity (24 years old), detailed bony anatomy of the forefoot could be evaluated. Radiographic examination showed a widened navicular bone, fusion of the first cuneiform with the first metatarsal, fusion of phalanges of the first ray, articulation of the second cuneiform with the second and third metatarsal, and cuboid with the fourth and the fifth ray. The first ray disarticulation was performed from the naviculocuneiform joint. Operation result was excellent according to published protocols. Conclusions: According to the Watanabe classification, our case was a tarsal medial (preaxial) foot polydactyly.

Time interval from initial surgery for torn discoid lateral meniscus to the contralateral knee surgery

To estimate the long-term possibility of needing surgery on contralateral knees that were asymptomatic at the time of initial discoid lateral menisci (DLM) surgeries, a minimum of 10 years of follow-up was performed after unilateral surgery for a torn DLM. Eligible patients had received arthroscopic meniscectomy between 1986 and 2001 for unilateral torn DLM. Patients with symptomatic contralateral knees at the time of initial surgery were excluded. Among these patients, only those aged no more than 20 years at the time of surgery were included in the study. Ultimately, 30 contralateral knees were followed for an average of 16.6 years after the initial knee surgery. Types of menisci were examined from operative records employing Watanabe's classification. When surgical treatment was necessary on contralateral knee, time interval from initial surgery to the second surgery was recorded. Patients were divided into two groups: those who needed surgical treatment on their contralateral knees (surgery group: S group) and those who did not need surgical treatment on their contralateral knees (non-surgery group: N group). Age at the time of initial surgery, sex, and type of menisci were examined and compared between the two groups. Seven of the 30 knees received arthroscopic surgery during the follow-up period (at an average of 1.6 years after the initial surgery). The rest of the 77% of contralateral knees survived a follow-up period of at least 10 years without requiring surgery. A higher percentage of female patients needed contralateral knee surgeries (30%, 6/20 patients) compared with male patients (10%, 1/10 patients). The possibility for needing surgery on the contralateral knee was highest in the first 2 years and decreased drastically thereafter.

Anatomical variants of the basal vein of Rosenthal: prevalence in idiopathic subarachnoid hemorrhage

Spontaneous, non traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a significant clinical problem that occurs most commonly as a result of aneurysm rupture. In approximately 15% of cases, nor aneurysm or other vascular malformation can be identified by cerebral angiography as origin of the hemorrhage, and these are commonly defined as idiopathic SAH (ISAH). Because of the negative angiography, limited extension of the bleeding with prevalent prepontine pattern and the benign prognosis, the venous causes has been preferred rather than the arterial ones. In the literature recent studies have suggested a possible contribution by primitive variants of Basal vein of Rosenthal (BVR) in its the pathogenesis of ISAH, commonly grouped according Watanabe classification (type A, B and C). In this paper we evaluated the prevalence of anatomical variants of BVR in ISAH. Venous drainage at angiography was retrospectively analyzed in 40 patients with ISAH and in 40 with unruptured aneurysms as controls. Previous studies displayed a significant prevalence of BVR type C variants in ISAH. Conversely in our study we recognized variant B as prevalent, in which the BVR bifurcates to drain anteriorly into the uncal vein and posteriorly into the Galenic system. Similarly to variant C (in which the BVR drains via perimesencephalic "bridging" veins into cavernous, sphenoparietal, petrosal sinus or directly into transverse sinus) also variant B might be subjected to those stress mechanisms and intrinsic system 'fragility' and for reasons yet to determine, sets off a consequent hemorrhage with clinical and radiological features typical of ISAH.

Diversity and ecology of diatoms from Felent creek (Sakarya river basin), Turkey

Diatoms are an important group of aquatic ecosystems. To date, there have been many important algological studies in different river basins in Turkey. However, the use of diatoms in biomonitoring (according to diatom indices, Watanabe's or Van Dam's systems) is relatively new in Turkey. In the present study, 41 samples of epilithic diatoms were collected from 5 stations along Felent creek between June 2006 and February 2007 and a total of 117 diatom taxa were identified. The bio-indication (autoecology and abundance scores in the communities) of Felent creek was investigated and, as a result, the organic pollution indicators of Watanabe's classification (81 species, 69.2%) constituted 3 groups. The Sladecek's index calculated for each sampling station varied from 1.36 to 2.08 (from oligo- to betamesosaprobic) at stations, and the river pollution index was calculated for each defined environmental variable as well as for species richness and index of saprobity over stations in summer and winter. The river water was alkaline and temperate with low salinity, and there was organic pollution in summer. Species richness was mostly higher in winter than in summer.

Symptomatic Bilateral Discoid Menisci in Children

In previous studies, 5% to 20% of patients with a discoid lateral meniscus eventually require surgery bilaterally for symptomatic discoid menisci. However, there are little published data specifically on children who require treatment for discoid menisci in both knees. The purpose of this study is to identify differences in clinical and arthroscopic findings between children who require bilateral versus unilateral treatment for symptomatic discoid lateral menisci. We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients aged 18 years or younger requiring treatment of discoid lateral meniscus between 1998 and 2007. Data were collected on 16 patients (32 knees) with symptomatic bilateral discoid menisci and 60 patients treated unilaterally with an asymptomatic contralateral knee. At initial presentation, children who were treated bilaterally for discoid menisci were younger than those treated unilaterally (10.4 vs. 12.5 y; P=0.021). Patients under 12 years of age were 4.6 times more likely to eventually require surgery on both knees (P=0.015). Watanabe classification was as follows: complete, 65% bilateral versus 30% unilateral; incomplete, 22% bilateral versus 68% unilateral; and Wrisberg, 13% bilateral versus 2% unilateral (P<0.001). The odds of current or future bilateral symptoms requiring treatment were 4.5 times higher in patients with a complete discoid meniscus (P=0.0017) and 8.4 times higher in those with a Wrisberg type (P=0.048). A tear of the lateral meniscus was more likely to be found intraoperatively in unilateral knees than bilateral (90% vs. 72%; P=0.037). Patient education and long-term follow-up are important for children who present with a discoid meniscus at a young age or with a complete or Wrisberg type, as these patients may be at increased odds of symptomatic discoid meniscus in the contralateral knee, even several years later. Furthermore, evaluation and treatment of discoid lateral meniscus requires vigilance for meniscal tears. Prognostic study, level III.

The Spectrum of Preaxial Polydactyly of the Foot

Polydactyly is a common congenital anomaly of the foot classified as preaxial, central, or postaxial depending on the location of the duplication. Approximately 15% of all duplications of the toes are preaxial. The purpose of this study is to report our experience in the management of preaxial polydactyly of the foot over a period of 30 years at a single institution. This is a retrospective institutional review board-approved descriptive case series of 21 children representing 28 feet with preaxial foot polydactyly seen at our institution from 1977 to 2009. All subjects were analyzed in terms of sex, laterality, anatomic patterns of polydactyly, associated anomalies, family history, clinical features, surgical indications, details of surgical procedures, and outcomes after surgical interventions, using data collected from medical records, radiographs, and clinical photographs. Clinical outcomes were evaluated at the most recent examination, according to the format published by Phelps and Grogan. There were 21 patients (28 feet) including 11 male and 10 female subjects. Duplications were bilateral in 7 patients and unilateral in 14. The average age at surgery was 1.8 years (range: 0.8 to 4.6 y). The average follow-up was 81.7 months (range: 5 to 180 mo). According to the Watanabey classification, the distal phalangeal type occurred in 4 feet, the proximal phalangeal type in 10 feet, the metatarsal type in 10 feet, the tarsal type in 2 feet, a combined tarsal and metatarsal type in 1 foot, and a mirror type in 1 foot. All patients had associated anomalies in the affected feet. Congenital hallux varus was the most common associated anomaly (20 feet). A longitudinal epiphyseal bracket was observed in 4 feet. Clinical outcomes after the initial surgery were excellent in 8 feet, good in 15 feet, and poor in 5 feet. The 5 feet rated as poor were because of residual deformities and required additional surgery. Good results were subsequently obtained at final follow-up in all 5 feet. In our opinion, the Watanabe classification is more useful than the Venn-Watson for surgical planning. However, we have added an additional type, representing a mirror foot which we feel is within the overall spectrum of preaxial polydactyly. Good or better results were obtained in all feet at final follow-up. Early detection and adequate excision of the longitudinal bracket affecting the phalanges or metatarsal can reduce residual deformity and the need for revision surgery.

Relationship Between Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Lateral Femoral Condyle and Lateral Menisci Types

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the lateral femoral condyle and lateral menisci. From 1993 to 2002, 38 knees (28 patients) were diagnosed with OCD of the lateral femoral condyle. OCD locations were graded by the Cahill and Berg classification. The types of lateral menisci were classified by Watanabe's classification. The relationship between OCD of the lateral femoral condyle and lateral menisci was examined. On the anterior-posterior view, 25 OCDs were located in zone 4 and 13 in zone 5. The types of lateral menisci were complete discoid in 19 knees, incomplete discoid in 15, and normal in 4. Ten of the 19 complete discoid menisci were damaged. Complete discoid menisci without tears were found in OCDs located in zone 4; incomplete discoid menisci were found in OCDs located in zone 5. The authors found a relationship between the type of OCD and the state of the lateral meniscus.

Les ménisques discoïdes chez l’enfant : manifestations cliniques et indications thérapeutiques: À propos de 18 cas

Purpose of the study Surgery is indicated when discoid menisci become symptomatic. The purpose of the surgical procedure is to resect any damaged tissue and restore the physiological shape of the meniscus. As a rule, as much meniscal tissue as possible must be spared because of the long-term deleterious effects on the cartilage of total meniscectomy. We analyzed a consecutive series of 18 cases of discoid menisci in children to search for secondary lesions and factors favoring their development in order to determine the optimal surgical procedure. Material and methods This retrospective series included 17 children (18 menisci) aged 7.5 years on average at diagnosis between 1985 and 2003. We noted the clinical manifestations, the imaging findings, time to treatment, and operative observations. The Watanabe classification was used to describe the discoid menisci. We also noted meniscal and cartilage damage and their consequences, as well as the consequences of late surgery on the type of procedure used. Results The main complaint was pain. Physical examination usually revealed a positive pivot test. Signs of osteochondral lesions of the lateral condyle were also observed in three children, and the MRI revealed degenerative menisci in four. Mean time from diagnosis to surgical treatment was 20±17 months. The Watanabe classification was type I (n=9), type II (n=5), type III (n=4). Arthroscopy revealed nine meniscal lesions and three cartilage lesions, one associated with osteochondritis. Meniscectomy was performed in eleven cases, meniscoplasty in seven. Meniscectomy was significantly more frequent (p<0.05) when there was a meniscal lesion (9/11 of the meniscectomies) and when the time from diagnosis to treatment was long (28 months versus 8 months for meniscoplasty, p<0.01). Time to surgery was associated significantly (p<0.05) with the proportion of meniscal, chondral, or osteochondral lesions. Inversely, the type of meniscus did not affect age at diagnosis, initial manifestations, or presence of a positive pivot test. Discussion While therapeutic abstention is warranted for asymptomatic menisci, surgical treatment should be undertaken if symptoms develop, irrespective of the type. If possible, surgery should be performed less than six months after diagnosis. The risk of secondary meniscal or cartilage injury increases with longer delay before surgery. Similarly, the chances of performing meniscoplasty are reduced with longer time from diagnosis to surgery. It must be recalled that the objective of conservative mensical surgery is to prevent secondary cartilage lesions after extensive meniscectomy and consequently the risk of osteoarthritis.

Discoid meniscus in children and adolescents. Our experience in the treatment and follow-up

The purpose of this study was to review the clinical results of partially external meniscectomy performed on 33 arthroscopies in paediatric patients with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. In this retrospective cases series, a partial meniscectomy was performed in all patients. Patients age ranged between 4 and 14 years with an average of 9 years. We used the Watanabe classification for the morphological study of the discoid menisci. Clinical results were determined according to a modified Ikeuchi scale. The results were 25 excellent, two good and one poor. Complications were presented in four patients who developed osteochondritis of the external condyle and external tibial plateau. The arthroscopy is considered a diagnostic and treatment method in symptomatic external discoid meniscus.